Stoll and Myant align on new approach to smart textiles

Stoll GmbH and Myant Inc have formed an international alliance to boost the uptake of smart textile technology in the US and Canada.

The firms will roll out 500 new 3D knitting machines across the countries.

German knitting machine manufacturer Stoll GmbH has partnered with Myant Inc, which is pioneering the application of technology and soft electronics in textiles, to roll out 500 new 3D knitting machines in Canada and the US to underpin the growth of functional smart textiles.

Myant and Stoll say they want to disrupt the textile industry with new advancements in Industry 4.0, material science and technical applications for high quality products made in North America.

"Stoll and Myant are aligned in the vision to create a new gold standard for functional computing textiles," explains Stoll CEO Andreas Schellhammer.

"Our collaboration represents a completely new approach to smart textiles. The demand for smart fabrics has never been higher as companies race to create garments, wearables, industrial, defence, healthcare and household items to connect humans to the Internet of Things.

"Myant is leading the creation of a new economy in functional computing textiles with Stoll machines. They have the vision and the right interdisciplinary team to make this a global revolution."

Tony Chahine, CEO and founder of Myant, adds: "Our goal is to reduce the barriers to entry in textile innovation and production and promote collaboration between scientists, doctors, engineers, designers, students, and anyone with a creative idea. I believe that true innovation is only possible when the inventor can actually make the invention.

"The Stoll machines will have a massive impact on commercialisation in the smart textile industry, which is in need of disruption, and will help to speed up the prototyping to production cycle."

The partnership coincides with Myant's plans to expand in Canadian and American university-affiliated textile technology centres, featuring Stoll machines.

Meanwhile, the firm has also committed US$100m to an advanced manufacturing supercluster in Toronto as it prepares to launch its own brand of patented 'Made in Canada' smart clothing.